Asman Shah (centre) launching Johor Global Symposium at Menara MBJB in Johor Baru.
THE inaugural Johor Global Symposium marked a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to preserve and promote its rich heritage.
Organised by Johor Heritage Foundation (YWJ) in collaboration with the state government and Museums Department (JMM), the two-day event brought together renowned experts and academics from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Brunei.
YWJ chairman Fairuzahri Jalaluddin highlighted the importance of the symposium in strengthening Johor’s global standing.
“Partnerships with international agencies provide a comprehensive view of Johor’s Islamic institutions, heritage, economy and history,” he said.
The symposium featured a series of insightful discussions on various aspects of Johor’s heritage, including its Islamic institutions, Malay sultanate heritage, economy and cultural traditions.
It attracted over 30 sponsors and 2,000 participants.
By fostering international cooperation and promoting heritage-based initiatives, he said, the event aimed to position Johor as a premier destination for heritage tourism and academic research.
Fairuzahri said hosting the symposium demonstrated Johor’s commitment to preserving its heritage and promoting cultural exchange.
He said the event not only showcased the state’s rich history but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations and initiatives.
He revealed that the state government had planned a series of heritage-focused programmes until 2027, aiming to position Johor as a premier destination for heritage tourism and a hub for academic expertise.
“We will host Visit Johor Year in 2026, coinciding with Malaysia’s national tourism campaign, Visit Malaysia 2026, which aims to attract 26.1 million international visitors,” Fairuzahri added.
Johor deputy secretary (development) Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman emphasised the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
He highlighted the strong ties between Johor and Malaysia’s neighbouring countries, particularly Indonesia and Singapore, as evidenced by the presence of their respective consulates in Johor Baru.
